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Topic: AFTE 2008 Summaries (Read 65017 times)

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Business Process Management in Forensic Science Dom Denio Objectives: This presentation will provide information on the use of Business Process Management (BPM) in Forensic Science. BPM is a holistic approach using Value Stream Management (VSM) to identify the seven forms of waste, utilize automation to provide visibility and Organization Development to achieve greater productivity within an organization. Results: Attendees will have a greater understand of BPM and VSM as they are related to Forensic Science. Conclusions: Attendees will see a different prospective of work as a process that are composed of sub processes, activities and tasks. Biography: Dom Denio is a past AFTE President, retired New York State Trooper and owner of several Model T Fords (1915-1919) who is working with the Tri-Lucem Consulting Group. Dominic Denio, Tri-Lucem Consulting LLC, 10970 Pierson Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22408, 877.405.4774 X3, ddenio@trilucem.com

• -Compare FPIs from various types of firearms in both double & single action • -Glean FPI depth & volume in metric & US Customary units • -Importance of these measurements Methodology: By following the Scientific Method and utilizing the Keyence VHX-600 digital microscope to measure FPI depth and volume. Both a revolver and semi-automatic pistol are used for the experiment, and both discharged in single and double action. These measurements are tabulated for comparison and examination of possible errors, differences and to test if hypothesis is true or false. Results: On a small scale the test indicates that there are differences in the depth and volume of FPIs in both the revolver and semi-automatic pistol regarding whether single action or double action was used. Conclusions: The advent of newer technology brings to light finer details that were once not as attainable or feasible. This also allows for further documentation of once excluded information, while maintaining laboratory standards. However, this will be an ongoing experiment in an attempt to gather as much information as possible. Biography: Currently finishing FA/TM apprenticeship with AFTE dinosaur Gary Miller Prior to this, a Medico-Legal Death Investigator with the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center, a Crime Scene Investigator with Wichita Police Department, and a Police Officer with Georgetown Police Department in Texas. Bachelor of Science in Biology from Kansas State University Jason Butell, Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center, 1109 North Minneapolis, Wichita, KS 67214, 316.660.4800, Fax 316.383.4535, jbutell@sedqwick.gov

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2008 SWGGUN Overview Greg Klees Objectives: This is an informational update on the Scientific Working Group for Firearm & Toolmarks (SWGGUN). The presentation will include a brief history of the working group, current Board Members, objectives, committees, and the documents/guidelines approved and available for peer review. Biography: Greg Klees is a firearms & toolmark examiner from the ATF national laboratory center in Ammendale, Maryland (just outside Washington, DC). He has been a firearms & toolmark examiner at ATF for 12½ years. Before coming to ATF, Greg worked in the firearms & toolmark unit of the FBI laboratory for over 17 years. For five years, he was on the developmental committee for the ATF National Firearms Examiner Training Academy where he was a resident instructor for seven years. Greg is presently a member of the scientific working group for firearms and toolmarks (SWGGUN) where he is the newly elected chairman of the board. Greg is a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the Association of Firearms and Tool Mark Examiners, the Midwest Association of Forensic Scientists and the International Association of Automobile Theft Investigators. Greg Klees, ATF National Laboratory, 6000 Ammendale Road, Ammendale, MD 20705, 240.264.3852, Fax 240.264.1491, greg.klees@atf.gov

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Physical Matching as Duties of a Firearms and Toolmark Examiner Jaco Swanepoel Objectives: To establish through physical matching and microscopical comparison if the hydraulic pump and the base plate which it was mounted on were in contact with each other. Methodology: Side by side and microscopical comparison of the specific areas of contact between the hydraulic pump and the base plate, several different Microsil and forensic sil casts were made to assist and facilitate the various photographic and microscopical comparisons. A strong light source at various angles of incident also enhanced certain class and individual characteristics. Results: Through comparison sufficient class and individual characteristics were identified to make a conclusion possible. Conclusions: The base plate and the hydraulic pump were joined to each other for a sufficient amount of time to ensure the mutual carry over of sufficient class and individual markings / characteristics. Biography: Jaco Swanepoel is a Senior Forensic Scientist with specialties in firearms and toolmark examination, fingerprint collection, interpretation and identification, crime scene investigation, crime scene reconstruction and crime scene photography. He began his career as a Forensic Scientist with the Crime Scene Investigation Division of the South African Police Service in 1988 and was subsequently assigned to the Ballistics Section of the South African Police Service Forensic Science Laboratory in 1999. Jaco Swanepoel, Forensic Analytical Sciences, 2777 Depot Road – Ste 409, Hayward, CA, 94545, 510.266.8145, Fax 510.887.4451, jswanepoel@forensica.com

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Tales from the Bench: Intriguing Cases from 2007 Charles Clow Objectives: This presentation gives accounts of two interesting cases worked in the past year. The first details a homicide case in which the presence of numerous magazine marks led to the identification of all fired bullets and cartridge cases to a single unknown firearm. The second details a homicide case that occurred in 2000. Reloading marks present on an unfired cartridge, placed the suspect at the scene of the crime. Biography: Charles M. Clow has worked as a Firearm & Toolmark Examiner for the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas, Texas for the past six years. He is a graduate of the National Firearm Examiner Academy (NFEA) Class of 2003, a board member of the Scientific Working Group for Firearms & Toolmarks (SWGGUN), a Distinguished Member of AFTE and serves on the AFTE Technical Procedures Manual (Chair), Historical, and Ethics/Governing Documents Review Committee. Charles M. Clow, Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences, 5230 Medical Center Drive, Dallas, TX 75235, 214-920-5977, Fax 214-920-5813, cclow@dallascounty.org

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ASCLD/LAB Accreditation Updates Glen Johnson Objectives: This presentation will provide interesting and useful information for the Firearm/Tool Mark discipline with regards to the ASCLD/LAB accreditation programs. The presentation begins with an overview of the 25-year history of the ASCLD/LAB organization including statistical data on the number of accredited laboratories. Differences between the Legacy Program and the International Program will be presented, and improvements incorporated into the 2008 Legacy Program Manual will be outlined. Significant ISO-17025:2005 and 2006 Supplemental requirements of concern for firearm and tool mark examiners will be reviewed. Biography: Glen Johnson is currently an ASCLD/LAB Staff Inspector and Certified Lead Assessor. He has participated in more than fifty ASCLD/LAB accreditation inspections and assessments since 1990. He is a life member of AFTE, a certified gunsmith, a recipient of the Tony Longhetti ASCLD/LAB award for excellence, a member of the AFTE Accreditation Committee and a retired firearm and tool mark examiner and system manager, formerly with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Glen Johnson, ASCLD/LAB Training Division, 139J Technology Drive, Garner, NC 27529, 512.255.5382, Fax 919773.2602, JohnsonCG@aol.com

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Wound Ballistics 2008 ‘Looking Forward Looking Back’ David Andrew Objectives: Wound Ballistics is a science driven by need. The current conflicts in the Middle East have given a new impetus. 'Mythbusters' and the gratuitous use of ballistic gelatin have also helped. This paper looks at what we have learned and how it could be used in the future. Methodology: A literature and media review was undertaken. This was then analyzed and evaluated. Results: Old lessons are being relearned, and a lot of information is again resurfacing on energy transfer. Bullets are getting bigger, and blast injury is becoming the focal point. Conclusions: A new definition of Wound Ballistics, "A Study of Bombs, Bullets and Blast upon the Body". The design of Body Armour is being evaluated under these principles, bullets are getting bigger, and blast is a major focus area. Biography: David Andrew is a Registered Nurse at Berri Hospital in South Australia, and a Lieutenant in the Australian Army Reserve. He holds a Masters of Nursing Degree and has served in the Australian Defense force in various roles for over 32 years. He has presented in this field for over 20 years and presented at AFTE in 2006. David Andrew, 22 Wishart Street, Berri, South Australia 5343, Australia, 61.8.8582.4638 davidandtheresa@bigpond.com

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Visualization of Gunshot Residue Patterns on Dark Clothing Using a Video Spectral Comparator John Durina and Marie Durina (and others) Objectives: The determination of muzzle-to-target distance is often a critical factor in criminal and civil investigations involving firearms; however, seeing and recording gunshot residue patterns can be difficult if the victim’s clothing is dark and/or bloody. The Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) is an imaging instrument routinely used by forensic document examiners. The VSC 2000TM model (Foster & Freeman Ltd, Evesham, Worcestershire, UK), includes a color charge coupled device (CCD) video camera, a black and white CCD video camera, various radiant energy sources, and numerous excitation/barrier filters. This research set out to determine if the VSC could quickly, easily, and reliably provide instantaneous viewing, saving, and printing of gunshot residue patterns on dark and bloodstained clothing without the use of specialized film, and without chemical processing. The study examines the reliability, speed, and accuracy of determining muzzle-to-target firing distance from gunshot residue particle patterns using the Video Spectral Comparator 2000 (VSC) 2000. Examinations included (a) the use of the VSC 2000 to detect gunshot residue particles on dark clothing, and; (b) what effect the addition of blood to the materials may have in making firing distance determinations using the VSC 2000. Methodology: Five different types of dark clothing using eight different handguns of different calibers were examined. Test fires were made on dark colored fabrics at three muzzle-to-target distances of 6 inches, 12 inches, and 18 inches Test fires into white, unstained, cotton fabrics at 6 inches were used as controls. The target fabrics were then viewed with a Video Spectral Comparator. After results were obtained, some of the fabrics were then stained with human blood from crime lab stock supplies. The target fabrics were then viewed again with the Video Spectral Comparator. Images of results were recorded. Results: Gunshot residues were readily detected, and patterns were easily seen on dark clothing. Bloodstains did not preclude the viewing of these patterns. Conclusions: This study has determined that the Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) can assist firearms examiners in quickly and easily visualizing gunshot residue patterns without any specialized film, or chemicals, and with instantaneous viewing, saving, and printing of the image. Video Spectral Comparators already exist in many crime labs and are used frequently by forensic document examiners. The VSC is also a useful tool for examining gunshot residue patterns and determining muzzle-to-target firing distances. Biography: Christina Atwater graduated from National University, San Diego, CA in 2005 with a master’s degree in forensic science. Marie Durina is a Forensic Document Examiner with the San Diego Sheriff’s Crime Laboratory Questioned Document Unit, San Diego, CA. John Durina is a Criminalist in the Firearms Unit of the San Diego Police Department Laboratory, San Diego, CA. Robert D. Blackledge is a retired Senior Chemist, formerly with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service Regional Forensic Laboratory, San Diego, CA, and an adjunct professor of Criminalistics with National University, San Diego, CA. John Durina and Marie Durina, Christina Atwater, Robert Blackledge, c/o of Marie Durina, San Diego Sheriff’s Department Crime Lab, 5255 Mt. Etna Drive, San Diego, CA 92117, 858.467.4591, Fax 858.467.4650, marie.durina@sdsheriff.org

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Gunpowder Visualization by Digital Infrared Photography William Matty Objectives: To assess the capabilities of new digital camera technology, this is optimized to capture infrared light. These cameras can detect and enhance gunpowder patterns on cloth. Methodology: Several different fabrics of differing colors and patterns were photographed under varying light conditions in order to determine optimum photographic conditions to enhance gunpowder pattern visualization. Results: Depending on the type of dye used, the use of infrared photography can enhance the ability to see the gunpowder pattern to a remarkable degree. Conclusions: Infrared photography is a very useful tool for the detection and recording of gunpowder patterns on cloth which has a dark color or a colored pattern. Biography: William Matty has over 30 years experience in field of Firearms Examination and general Criminalistics. He has worked for the California Department of Justice Crime Lab system and currently works for the San Bernardino County Sheriff/Coroner Crime Lab of the Firearms Unit. William Matty, San Bernardino County Sheriff, 200 S. Lena Rd, San Bernardino, CA 92415 909 387 2200, 909 387 2688, wmatty@sbcsd.org

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The Antwerp Massacre and the Consequences for a Small Country Dr. Jan De Ceuster Objectives: In 2006, a young guy created a massacre in the Old Town of Antwerp, killing two persons and severely wounding a third one. These murders had tremendous influence on the whole of the country; the people were in shock. It was the first trail in Belgium where the accused was eventually convicted for murder with racist motives. Also, in the aftermath of these murders, the Belgian firearms legislation was rapidly changed by the government. Methodology: The audience will be given an overview of what happened on that particular day and what happened in the days following the crime. The ballistic investigation included a study of the terminal ballistics of the .30-30 bullet. The surviving victim was shot through a mammary implant, which could have saved her life. Results: 1. An overview of the current Belgian firearms legislation is given. Up to date this law is still not fully applicable. 2. Using ballistic soap and gelatine, the influence of a mammary implant was shown to reduce importantly the wound cavity behind. High-speed video enabled us to study the temporary cavity in ballistic gelatine, which confirmed the results of the ballistic soap. Biography: I have a PhD in science (physics) and have been working at the NICC for 5 years as a firearm and toolmark Examiner. This is my 4th AFTE Meeting and I have been a provisional member of AFTE since 2007. Jan De Ceuster, National Instituut voor Criminalistiek en Criminologie, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100,Brussels B-1120, Belgium, +32.2.240.05.03, Fax +32.2.243.46.25, jan.deceuster@just.fgov.be

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Dana is currently a Firearm and Toolmark Examiner at the US Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory in Forest Park, GA. After receiving her MS in Forensic Science from Virginia Commonwealth University, she began her career 5 years ago at the Vermont Forensic Laboratory, where she received her initial training from Evan Hodge and the National Firearms Examiner Academy Class of 2003. She also worked as a Firearm Examiner at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for approximately 3 years.

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Panel Members: Dr. Stephen Bunch, Douglas Murphy, John Webb, Erich Smith Objectives: The Daubert presentation will begin with a Daubert PowerPoint Presentation. The audience will then have the opportunity to ask questions to a panel of FBI and ATF examiners regarding the admissibility of firearms and toolmarks evidence. As the moderator, Brandon Giroux will allocate appropriate time to the specific areas of presentation which will include the following: Daubert Question and Answer Session

Introduction of panel members and Daubert presentation by Brandon Giroux, question and answer session, NAS Report by Greg Klees, discussion on the prongs of Daubert by various panel members as shown below, followed by a final question and answer session.

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The White Light Interferometer, Will it help us meet the Daubert challenge in Firearm/ Tool MarksGerard Petillo Connecticut DPS Forensic Lab Firearm/Tool Mark sectionThe motivation for this research began while reading a 19 page affidavit in support of a defendant’s motion to exclude ballistic evidence. The expert retained by the defense who is not a practitioner in this field, who has a background in material science made many assertions to refute the scientific reliability of Tool Mark Identification. Most if not all of these assertions have been previously addressed in publications both in the AFTE journal as well as the JFS. A specific quote in this affidavit that is the subject of this research suggests the use of the white light interferometer as an instrument to be used in the analysis of fired ammunition components to determine origin. This statement has the potential to present problems for the uninformed examiner. My objective for this research is to present information regarding the white light interferometer and then use the instrument to examine fired cartridge cases to see from a practical perspective what information can be gleaned from the use of this instrument as well as the value of the data to the field of Firearm / Tool Mark Identification.Results: For many reasons, this instrument is currently not suitable for use in casework. Biography: Gerard Petillo is one of four examiners working in the State Forensic lab’s Firearm and Tool Mark section. He is a member of the New York Microscopical Society and a regular member of AFTE. He has served on the 2006 Training Seminar Host committee. He is currently on the Historical committee and a moderator on the AFTE Forum.